Denim wrote:
Just saw a replay of the Murphy incident, nothing in it, hodge had his eyes on the ball, was committed and went in as you would expect any good tough player to do.. Technically high contact should have resulted in a free but not intentional.. Just a good hard attack on the ball.
Incorrect. I disagree.
The replay only shows the last 2 seconds, not his intent 2-3 seconds before that.
Hodge broke his jaw and deliberately wanted to take Murphy out/get some high contact on him. Hodge charged with his shoulder high. That hit- just as much as the diabolical umpiring (the Simpson one for holding the ball in the 1st quarter took the case as the most terrible umpiring decision one could ever see) were the real reasons for Hawthorn's "victory". Hodge - plus his hit on Henderson - should get a minimum sentence of 5 weeks....but we both know he won't. I predict him getting off scot free.
Contrast Dangerfield's attack on Murphy last year - he went for the body - Dangerfield's body was stronger- they both initiated contact. No problems with that at all.
Also - Hawthorn is a
short kicking team. To get out of trouble they
kick 8-10 metres A LOT. The umpire always blows his whistle and considers it as a mark. They do it a lot near their forward line. Have the knowledge- umpires- to call play on. It is endorsing a form of cheating by allowing 10 metre marks. The minimum distance is 15 metres just in case they don't know.
Footy is just a bit too depressing for me right now, gonna give it a break for a while. Still, could be worse. I could be a soccer supporter where nearly every match is decided by penalty goals and the referee's whim.